Two letters from the same lab?

[mynameistoolong]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Some of you might remember me from last year... I'm reapplying next week!

I'm contemplating whether I should get two letters from the same lab. I've asked my PI who said he will be happy to write a strong letter, but I don't work with him directly. On a day-to-day basis, I work with another faculty Instructor (he's an MD, and I've shadowed him) who's in my PI's lab. Since basically the only scientific interaction I have with my PI is when I present during lab meeting, I expect his letter to be while strong, somewhat generic. On the other hand, my mentor (as far as I can tell) thinks very positively of me, and would be able to write a very strong letter with specific details about me.

I'm wondering if it would be overkill to get a letter from my direct mentor? I found that this has been asked in pre-allo before, but the conclusion was somewhat mixed.

Edit: this extra letter would be my 7th letter. I already have 2 science, 1 non-science, and 3 PI letters. I had one employer letter from my previous application, but I plan to drop it.

 

[Neuronix]

I wouldn't get two letters. You have enough.

"I've asked my PI who said he will be happy to write a strong letter." I don't see the problem here. You could potentially get both faculty to collaborate on a letter somehow, but you're going to look pretty neurotic in the process. I wouldn't damage that relationship.